Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Denice and Carl are hosting the wedding reception for Agnes and Theo in the garden of their villa in Juan-les-Pins after their marriage at the H?tel de Ville Antibes. Agnes hadn’t wanted to marry Theo in the Mairie in Cannes and Antibes has been the perfect venue choice. Francine, in the English tradition, agreed to be matron of honour and Zazz was thrilled to be her gran’s bridesmaid. Agnes can scarcely believe that she has finally married her true love. As for Theo, he knows he is the happiest and the luckiest man in the world to be able to call Agnes his wife. As they stand side by side to cut their single-tier wedding cake, Agnes finds herself reflecting on how much her life has changed since Theo phoned to tell her that Oscar was dead. A death that changed everything for ever in her world.
Denice can barely keep the tears at bay, she is so happy for her sister – and for herself. Being back in touch with Agnes has brought so much joy into her life. She adores Francine and treats Zazz like a favourite grandchild who can do no wrong. Denice and Carl are frequent visitors to Cannes and the two sisters are as close as they’ve ever been.
Francine and Edwin finally decided to move down to be closer to Agnes and Theo and Francine confessed she was missing Zazz. They have just bought a lovely villa in Mougins, a short drive from Cannes. Edwin has taken up golf and his handicap is improving the more he plays. Francine still works as an editor occasionally but decorating the new villa is taking up a lot of her time and she has got very involved with the local Sunny Bank Charity, especially the second-hand book side of it. Theo is delighted that his daughter now calls him Papa every time they meet.
Zazz has moved into the Belle Epoque villa with Mel and is ridiculously happy. Denice’s contact in the Press Office at the Palais des Festivals was happy to register Zazz as a Content Provider for several of the conferences and exhibitions held in the Palais, including the film festival. She still writes a lifestyle column for Marcus, and now regularly sells features to the English national papers and several glossy magazines. Agnes is expecting to hear any day now that Dominic has placed a ring on her finger.
The Cortez’s are part of their extended family these days and Rachel and Serge with his wife are here this afternoon. Al had a previous engagement and couldn’t make it. Rachel is currently feeding Cerise tiny bits of ham from the wedding breakfast still laid out on the table.
As everyone eats their cake and drinks their champagne, Denice signals to the trio of musicians on the swimming pool terrace and they pick up their instruments. Agnes looks at Theo as the notes of ‘Windmills of Your Mind’ begin to drift on the air towards them. Theo holds out his hand and when she takes it, he pulls her towards him, takes her into his arms, and together they begin to sway gently to the melody that is definitely ‘their tune’.
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